answersLogoWhite

0

CSF leak

User Avatar

Anonymous

14y ago
Updated: 9/27/2023
Definition

A CSF leak is an escape of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Alternative Names

Intracranial hypotension

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The dura is the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and contains the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF can leak from any hole or tear in the dura.

Causes of a tear in the dura include:

Sometimes there is no cause.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • A headache that is worse when you sit up and improves when you lay down
  • Drainage from the ear (rarely)
  • Runny nose
Signs and tests

Diagnosis is usually based on your history of injury, surgery, or lumbar puncture.

Tests may include:

  • Injection of a radioisotope in the spinal fluid to track the leakage
  • MRI
  • X-ray with contrast dye
Treatment

Depending on the cause of the leak, many cases go away on their own after a few days. Complete bed rest for several days is usually recommended.

Headache may be treated with pain relievers and fluids. If the headache lasts longer than a week after a lumbar puncture, a procedure may be done to block the hole that may be leaking fluid. This is called a blood patch, because a blood clot can be used to clog the leak. In most cases, this makes symptoms go away. Rarely, surgery is needed to repair a tear in the dura and stop the headache.

If symptoms of infection occur (fever, chills, change in mental status), antibiotic therapy is needed.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook is usually good depending on the cause. Most cases heal by themselves with no lasting symptoms.

Complications

Complications may occur if the cause is surgery or trauma. Infections can cause serious complications, such as swelling of the brain.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have a headache that gets worse when you sit up, especially if you have recently had a head injury, surgery, or childbirth involving epidural anesthesia.
  • You have a moderate head injury, and then develop a headache along with a thin, clear fluid draining from your nose or ear.
Prevention

Measures such as wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle can help prevent head injuries that can lead to CSF leak.

ReferencesHeegaard WG, Biros MH. Head. In: Marx J, ed.Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 38.
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can you die from CSF leak?

Can you die from an untreated cfs leakage


What causes a headache after a lumbar puncture?

It is caused by a decreased CSF pressure related to a small leak of CSF through the puncture site.


Why is csf protein in newborn is high normally?

Since blood-csf barrier is not well developed in neonates protein leak from blood to csf occurs...so csf protein is high in neonates and infants...for similar reason csf protein is elevated in all meningitis due to vascular permeability...


What is in CSF?

CsF is the chemical formula of caesium fluoride.


What causes leakage of spinal fluid after back surgery?

The outer layers of protective tissue that holds the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in place are the meninges. If they are damaged, CFS can leak out.


When was Colnago-CSF Bardiani created?

Colnago-CSF Bardiani was created in 1982.


Is glucose found in CSF fluid?

Yes, glucose is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glucose is one of the primary sources of energy for the brain and is transported from the blood into the CSF to support normal brain function. Monitoring glucose levels in CSF is important in diagnosing certain neurological conditions.


What is the compound formula of cesium fluoride?

The compound formula of cesium fluoride is CsF.


What is CsF in chemistry?

CsF is the chemical formula of caesium fluoride.


What is the normal flora of CSF?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically a sterile fluid, meaning it should not contain any normal flora. The presence of bacteria in the CSF is abnormal and can indicate an infection, such as meningitis.


Absorption at the arachnoid granulations returns CSF to the?

Absorption at the arachnoid granulations returns cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the bloodstream by allowing CSF to enter the venous circulation. This process helps maintain the balance of CSF in the brain and spinal cord.


What is the correct name for the compound CsF?

The correct name for the compound CsF is cesium fluoride.